Device and method for processing an optical lens

ABSTRACT

A device and a method for processing, in particular edge processing, an optical lens, wherein the device has a measuring system, a processing system, a loading system, an unloading system, an intermediate conveyor, and a belt conveyor. The loading system is arranged between the measuring system and the processing system. The unloading system is arranged on the opposite side of the processing system. A lens that is to be processed is picked up and oriented at the optical reference point that is determined by the measuring system in order to determine as precisely as possible the blocking point for the subsequent processing. The loading system and unloading system each have a linearly movable swiveling system with linearly movable suction devices arranged therein. The processing system is designed for the simultaneous processing of two lenses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/536,741 filed Jun. 16, 2017, which is a 371 of InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/EP2014/00348 filed Dec. 19, 2014, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method for processing, in particular edgeprocessing as well as a device for processing, in particular edgeprocessing, an optical lens.

An optical lens, for example, for eyeglasses, is to have certain opticalproperties. The associated desired optical data of the lens aredetermined by, for example, an optician. The lenses are then processedor manufactured based on the optical data that are desired in each case,wherein the lenses have to be adapted in particular to the respectiveeyeglasses frame. This invention deals especially preferably with theedge processing of an optical lens for adapting to an eyeglasses frame.

Description of Related Art

European Patent Application EP 0 990 484 A1 and corresponding U.S. Pat.No. 6,379,215 B1, disclose a system for edge processing of lenses with abelt conveyor, a loading system, a measuring system, and a processingsystem. The loading system grips a lens that is to be processed by meansof a loading arm with three suction devices and feeds the lens first tothe measuring system. There the lens is held by the loading system andmeasured. Then, the lens is delivered directly to the processing system,where the lens first is placed on a lower clamping shaft and finally isclamped by means of an upper clamping shell as an opposing bearing forthe processing. After the processing, the loading system picks up theprocessed lens by means of another suction device on an unloading arm inorder to load, by swiveling, the processing system with the next lensthat is to be processed. The known system is not optimized with respectto the course of the operation and a precise processing with highthroughput.

European Patent Application EP 1 524 073 A2 and corresponding U.S. Pat.No. 6,974,363 B2, disclose a system for edge processing of eyeglasslenses, wherein a measuring system is arranged on the right and on theleft next to a central belt conveyor on either side outside and whereina processing system is arranged between the measuring system and thebelt conveyor. The handling of the lens is done via a loading system,which alternately and as required by means of corresponding grippers orsuction devices feeds the lenses to the individual systems on bothsides. The known system is not optimized with respect to the course ofaction and a precise processing with high throughput.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of this invention is to indicate a method and a device forprocessing, in particular edge processing, an optical lens, wherein acompact design, an optimal course of the operation, a preciseprocessing, i.e., a minimization of errors, and/or a high throughput isor are made possible or facilitated.

The above object is achieved by a method and a device according to theinvention as described herein.

This invention relates to a method for processing, in particular edgeprocessing, of an optical lens, wherein the lens—in particular, in adevice with a measuring system and a processing system—is both measuredand processed.

According to an especially preferred aspect of this invention, a methodaccording to the proposal is distinguished in particular in that apoint, in particular an optical reference point, is determined on thelens by means of an optical measurement; the lens is picked up or heldat the determined point, and the lens then is oriented in a desiredhorizontal position or tilted position, in particular for anothermeasurement or a subsequent processing. This is conducive to anespecially precise measurement and determination of points as well as anespecially precise holding of the lens and thus an especially preciseprocessing.

The orientation of the lens in a desired horizontal position or tiltedposition is especially preferably carried out in that the tangentialplane at the point at which the lens is held is oriented in acorresponding manner, for example perpendicular to a measuring axis orcentering axis or rotational axis or the like. In particular,parallactic deviations during measurement can be minimized

According to another aspect of this invention, a method according to theproposal is distinguished in particular in that in a first measurement,the optical reference point of the lens is determined in an approximatemanner, then the lens is oriented in the thus determined opticalreference point—in particular in its tilted position and/or in anoptical axis of a measuring system—and then in a second measurement, theoptical reference point is determined precisely or more precisely thanin the first measurement. Preferably, the blocking point of the lens isthen determined or calculated for the processing system. This allows foran especially precise determination of the blocking point andcorrespondingly an especially precise processing.

According to another aspect of this invention, a method according to theproposal is distinguished in particular in that after the measurement,the lens is delivered to an intermediate conveyor that loads and unloadsthe processing system with the lens or respectively two lenses and/orthat operates independently from an upstream loading system and adownstream loading system. This allows for an optimized course of theoperation, in particular since changing the grip on the lens can beminimized and since in the case of high throughput with a highly precisemeasurement, the structural cost can be kept comparatively small.

Preferably, after the—preferably approximate—determination of theoptical reference point by means of the measuring system, the lens isgripped or held by means of the loading system and/or a second suctiondevice and/or gripper in the optical reference point and is oriented ina desired horizontal position or tilted position, especially preferablyso that the tangential plane at the optical reference point runsperpendicularly to the optical axis of the measuring system for a moreprecise measurement of the optical reference point. Then, thedetermination or calculation of the desired or ideal blocking point, inparticular taking into consideration the shape and position of the lensafter the edge processing and/or taking into consideration theproperties of the processing system, can be carried out.

The lens is especially preferably picked up after the determination ofthe optical reference point by means of the measuring system on thecalculated blocking point, preferably by means of a second suctiondevice, and is oriented in a desired horizontal position or tiltedposition, especially preferably in such a way that the tangential planeat the blocking point runs perpendicular to the rotational axis of thelens in the subsequent processing. This orientation is carried outpreferably using the second suction device and/or the loading system.

In addition, this invention also relates to a device for processing, inparticular edge processing, of an optical lens. The device according tothe proposal has a measuring system for the lens, a processing system,and a loading system. The actual processing, in particular, a block-freeedge processing, is carried out in the processing system. The measuringsystem is used in particular for the determination or the measurement ofan optical reference point of the lens, such as an optical center, aprism reference point, or the like, and for the determination or thecalculation of a blocking point. Such a blocking point preferably liescloser in the area of a geometric center of the finished lens, i.e., thepoint depends in particular also on the respective eyeglasses frameand/or the physiognomy of the wearer/user, to which the lens is adaptedby means of the preferred edge processing.

According to a preferred aspect of this invention, the loading system ispreferably arranged between the measuring system and the processingsystem or is swivel-mounted there. This is conducive to a compactdesign, wherein a quick handling of the lens by the loading system—withtraverse paths that are as short as possible and as a result a higherthroughput—is made possible.

According to another aspect of this invention, the loading system ispreferably designed for holding and/or gripping the lens and subsequentorientation in a desired horizontal position or tilted position in orderto determine the optical reference point and the blocking point. Thismakes possible an especially precise measurement or determination of theoptical reference point as well as the blocking point and thus anespecially precise processing of the lens.

According to another aspect of this invention, the loading system ispreferably designed for holding and in particular orienting the lens ata point that is determined by means of the measuring system, inparticular at a thus determined optical reference point, and for thesubsequent orientation of the lens in a desired horizontal position ortilted position. This is conducive to an especially precise measurementand determination of points and thus also to an especially preciseprocessing.

According to another aspect of this invention, the loading system ispreferably designed for holding and in particular orienting the lens atan optical reference point that is determined by means of the measuringsystem and then at a blocking point that is determined by means of themeasuring system. Consequently, an especially precise measurement andholding of the lens and thus an especially precise processing are madepossible.

According to a preferred aspect of this invention, the device ispreferably designed in such a way that the lens is fed to the measuringsystem, the optical reference point of the lens is determined—preferablyiteratively—by means of the measuring system, and the blocking point isdetermined or calculated, in particular wherein in a first measurement,the optical reference point of the lens is determined—preferablyapproximately; the lens is then oriented in particular by means of theloading system at the determined optical reference point; and in asecond measurement, the optical reference point of the lens—inparticular in the oriented tilted position or horizontal position of thelens—is determined precisely or more precisely. This is conducive to ahighly specific handling, measurement and processing, in particularsince the ideal blocking point is determined or calculated especiallyprecisely and/or the lens can be gripped or clamped as precisely aspossible—i.e., with minimization of measuring errors—at the idealblocking point for the processing of the lens.

According to another aspect of this invention, the device preferably hasan unloading system that works independently of the loading system forremoval or depositing of a processed lens. This is conducive to a quickand optimized course of the operation, in particular to be able to usethe loading system for various holding processes during measurement andat the same time to make possible a high number of cycles and/or a highthroughput. Consequently, this aspect is also conducive to a preciseprocessing and a quick course of the operation.

As an alternative, the loading system can also take over the function ofthe unloading system and/or can form the latter. The unloading systemcan thus also be omitted.

Preferably, the device or processing system according to another aspectof this invention has—in addition to the loading system and inparticular in addition to the unloading system—an intermediate conveyorfor receiving lenses that are to be processed from the loading systemand feeding to the processing system as well as for removal of processedlenses from the processing system. This makes possible an optimizedloading and unloading process, in particular since a change of thegripping both in the loading system and in the unloading system can beomitted or can be used both for the loading and for the unloading. Thisis conducive to an optimal course of the operation and an optimal designand/or a defined or high-precision transfer, in particular when theintermediate conveyor for a lens has only one movement axis.

As an alternative, the intermediate conveyor can also be omitted, andthe loading system can load the processing system directly with lensesor then unload the lenses. Correspondingly, the unloading device, ifpresent, can directly unload the processing system when the intermediateconveyor is omitted, i.e., it can remove or carry away processed lensesfrom the processing system.

It is to be noted that in the case of this invention, the procedure ispreferably implemented in a block-free manner Thus, no so-called blockpiece is fastened to the lens that is to be processed. Nevertheless, theterm “blocking point” is used to refer to the reference point for theclamping in the processing.

Individual previously-mentioned and subsequent aspects and features ofthis invention can be combined with one another in any way desired, butthey can also be implemented independently of one another.

Other aspects, features, advantages, and properties of this inventionwill be apparent from the following description of a preferredembodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic side view of a device according to theproposal;

FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic top view of the device;

FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic section of the device;

FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic top view of a lens and a desired lens shape;

FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic section of the lens according to FIG. 4 inthe plane V-V;

FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic section of the lens according to FIG. 4 inthe plane VI-VI;

FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic depiction of a gripping of the lens at anoptical reference point;

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic depiction of a gripping of the lens at ablocking point; and

FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic depiction corresponding to FIG. 8, whereinthe lens is oriented with its tangential plane horizontally at theblocking point.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the figures, the same reference numbers are used for the same orsimilar components and systems, wherein the same or correspondingadvantages and properties follow, even when a repeated description isomitted.

The subject of the invention is a device 1 and a method for processing,in particular edge processing, an optical lens 2, in particular foradapting the lens 2 to an eyeglasses frame, not shown.

The lens 2 preferably consists of plastic. However, in principle,another material that is to be processed in a suitable way, optionallyalso glass or mineral glass, can also be used. If the finished lens 2 isused or is to be used for eyeglasses (not shown), which preferably isthe case, the lens 2 is also referred to as an eyeglass lens, even whenthe lens 2 optionally does not consist of glass.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the device 1 according to theproposal in a diagrammatic side view. FIG. 2 shows the device 1 in adiagrammatic top view. FIG. 3 shows the device 1 in a diagrammatic, verysimplified section.

The device 1 has a measuring system 10, a processing system 20, and aloading system 30, as well as preferably an unloading system 50, anintermediate conveyor 60, a lens conveyor 70, and/or a control system80.

The measuring system 10 is used for an optical measurement of the lens 2that is to be processed. Preferably, the measuring system 10 is used inthe determination, in particular the measurement and/or calculation, ofan optical reference point O, a blocking point B, and/or an orientation(rotating position) of the lens 2, as diagrammatically indicated in FIG.4.

In a diagrammatic top view, FIG. 4 shows a lens 2 that is to beprocessed and/or a lens blank. In an only-diagrammatic section alongline V-V of FIG. 4, FIG. 5 shows the lens blank or the lens 2 before theedge processing, wherein various tangential planes T on the front side2A of the lens 2 are indicated. FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic section,corresponding to FIG. 5, along line VI-VI of FIG. 4.

Preferably, the lens 2 that is to be processed or a lens blank is atleast essentially circular, and/or the lens 2 that is to be processed orthe lens blank has an at least essentially circular outside contour. Inparticular, an edge 3 of the lens 2 that is to be processed is at leastessentially circular. Other geometries or outside contours are alsopossible, however.

The lens 2 that is depicted in FIG. 4 has an outside contour thatdeviates from the circle, and/or an edge 3 that deviates from thecircle. The circle is indicated by broken lines.

In the illustrative example, the lens blank or the lens 2 that is notprocessed deviates from the circle, depicted in broken lines, inparticular because of its design in the upper edge area, which ispartially sharply contoured by way of example.

The geometric center G of the lens 2, indicated in FIG. 4, preferablyrelates to a circular lens 2 or to a circular edge 3. In particular, thegeometric center G of the lens 2 is the center of the lens 2 that wouldresult when assuming an at least essentially circular geometry of thelens 2 or a circular edge 3, even when the lens 2 does not have acircular shape. Consequently, the geometric center G can deviate fromthe actual central point and/or center of gravity.

In FIG. 4, a shape F of the lens 2 is indicated, which is the shape tobe received, after processing, by the lens 2 that is to be processed orby the lens blank, in order to be fit into or to be accommodated in anassigned (not shown) eyeglasses frame. This shape F is achieved orproduced by corresponding processing or edge processing of the lens 2 inthe processing system 20. This is done in particular by thecorresponding finishing or removal of areas of the edge 3 of the lens 2,especially preferably by machining or grinding, milling, turning and/orin another suitable way.

The position of the shape F of the processed lens 2 depends on theoptical reference point, which can be defined in particular as the“optical axis” of the lens 2. Specifically, the optical reference pointO is usually to have a determined position in the finished lens 2 inorder to be able to reach, for the user or eyeglasses wearer, thecorrect position of the lens 2 in the eyeglasses frame and thus relativeto the user's eye.

Consequently, it is first important to determine the optical referencepoint O and in particular also the accompanying rotating position of thelens 2 or the lens blank in the case of rotationally-asymmetrical lenses2—here by means of the measuring system 10—in order to be able then todefine, on this basis, the position of the shape F of the finished lens2, which also depends in particular on the respective eyeglasses frame,in the lens blank for the subsequent edge processing—here in theprocessing system 20.

In the case of the edge processing or edge working, the lens blank isclamped at the blocking point B. The latter is determined or calculatedor established in particular based on the position of the lens shapeF—optionally also taking into consideration other aspects, such asdesired or necessary cut-outs, holes, or the like. This is carried outin particular by means of the measuring system 10, the control system80, and/or taking into consideration manual or other inputs orspecifications, such as the size and/or shape of abutting elements,which clamp the lens 2 or the lens blank for the processing.

Preferably, the lens 2 has a frame center Z. The frame center Zpreferably corresponds at least essentially to a geometric center of thedesired lens shape F or a—theoretical or usually assumed to berectangular—frame R, which reframes or encompasses the shape F of thelens 2, as illustrated by broken lines in FIG. 4. The frame center Z cancorrespond to a center of the shape F or can approximate the latter.

The depicted shape F, for example, has a recess on the side that facesthe nose bridge of a user (not shown) or on the nasal side N, so thatthe frame center Z optionally deviates from the center of the shape F.

The blocking point B can be identical to the frame center Z or—inparticular taking into consideration recesses or cut-outs, as for thenasal side N, holes, or the like—the point can deviate therefrom. Inprinciple, it is also possible that the blocking point B corresponds tothe optical reference point O or the geometric center G of the lens 2 orthe lens blank.

Preferably, the blocking point B—taking into consideration the framecenter Z, the contour or the size and the position of the desired lensshape F and/or holes, cut-outs, or the like, and preferably taking intoconsideration requirements of the processing system 20, such as the sizeand/or shape of clamping elements for holding the lens 2, orrequirements of the processing—is specified or determined in order tomake possible in particular as central a clamping for the processing aspossible and/or to minimize moments that arise during processing andthat act in the lens plane.

FIG. 4 also indicates the optical reference point O that corresponds tothe optical axis of the lens 2, in particular on a flat side, inparticular the front side 2A, of the lens 2. Here it is noted that theoptical reference point O can be different from the geometric center Gof the lens 2 that is to be processed.

The optical reference point O depends in particular on what type or whatkind of lens 2 is involved. This can then also have a correspondingeffect on the measurement in the measuring system 10 or thedetermination of the optical reference point O. For example, theposition of the optical reference point O or its determination dependson whether a rotationally symmetrical or single-vision lens 2, a bifocallens 2, a progressive lens 2, a so-called free-form lens 2, or the likeis involved.

For example, in the case of a single-vision lens or bifocal lens, theoptical reference point O can be determined by means of an opticalprojection in the measuring system 10 in order to determine inparticular the rotating position of the lenses 2 in the case ofnon-rotatory or rotationally asymmetrical lenses 2.

In the case of a progressive lens or free-form lens, markings M, asindicated in FIG. 4, are often used, which have, for example, apredetermined distance, usually 34 mm, and usually a predeterminedshape, for example a circle here, in order to set the optical referencepoint O—here in particular as a geometric center between the twomarkings M—and in particular also to indicate the rotating position ofthe lens 2—here in particular by the connecting line of the two markingsM.

The precision of the determination of the optical reference point Odepends in particular on the centering of the lens 2 or the lens blankin the measurement or in the measuring system 10 and/or the orientationof the tilted position of the lens 2 in the measurement or in themeasuring system 10. In particular, the measurement or determination ofthe optical reference point O can be imprecise, when the lens 2 ispoorly centered and/or is tilted relative to the optical measuring axisor central axis C (see FIG. 1) of the measuring system 10.

In the depicted example, the geometric center G, the frame center Z ofthe optical reference point O, and/or the blocking point B are separatedfrom one another or are different. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate that becauseof the geometry or surface curvature of the lens 2, in particular thefront side 2A, the respectively assigned tangential planes TG, TB, TZand TO are also inclined differently toward one another. The tangentialplane TG is the plane that rests tangentially on the geometric center G;the tangential plane TB is the plane that rests tangentially on theblocking point B; the tangential plane TZ is the plane that reststangentially on the frame center Z; and the tangential plane TO is theplane that rests tangentially on the optical reference point O.

The determination of the desired blocking point B is preferably done bymeans of the measuring system 10 and/or the control system 80.

The device 1 or measuring system 10 is preferably adapted to determinethe orientation or rotating position and/or the geometry, in particularthe contour or the edge 3, of the lens 2. This is done in particular bydetecting one or more markings M, as indicated by way of example in FIG.4. These markings M, if present, are also especially preferably used inthe determination of the optical reference point O, as alreadyexplained.

The measuring system 10 preferably has a holding system, in particular agripper 11, for holding the lens 2 during measurement. In theillustrative example, the holding system or the gripper 11 preferablyhas retaining fingers 12 that can rest—in particular by springforce—laterally against the lens 2, as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2.However, other design approaches are also possible.

The measuring system 10 preferably has a measuring device 13 for opticalmeasurement or gauging of the lens 2 and optimally a light source 14 forilluminating the lens 2. Especially preferably, the holding system orthe gripper 11 holds the lens 2 between the light source 14 and themeasuring device 13 for measuring or during the measuring. The measuringcan be carried out in particular based on projection, transmission,and/or reflection using light, such as visible light, laser light, UVlight, or the like.

The processing system 20 is used in the processing, in particular theedge processing, of the lens 2. In particular, the processing system 20is designed for simultaneous processing of two lenses 2, preferably aright and left lens 2 for an eyeglasses frame, not shown.

Below, primarily the processing of a lens 2 is explained, even if—asstated—preferably a processing of two lenses 2 that occurssimultaneously and independently is carried out or is possible.

The processing is carried out in a shaping manner, in particular forachieving the desired shape F of the lens 2, as indicated in FIG. 4.

The processing system 20 also preferably allows for a desired processingof an edge 3 of the lens 2, in particular, if necessary, the forming ofbezels, grooves, and/or the like.

The processing system 20 is preferably designed for block-freeprocessing of the lens 2. In particular, no so-called block piece—i.e.,no holding device—is temporarily glued to the lens 2 or appliedintegrally in some other way. Instead, the lens 2 is preferably clampedfor processing.

The processing system 20 preferably has an upper clamping shaft 21 and alower clamping shaft 22 in order to clamp the lens 2 that is to beprocessed in between, as indicated in FIG. 3.

In the illustrative example, the processing system 20 is designed forsimultaneous processing of two lenses 2. Consequently, the processingsystem 20 here preferably has two upper or one pair of upper clampingshafts 21 and two lower or one pair of lower clamping shafts 22 forsimultaneous clamping of two lenses 2. FIG. 3, however, shows only theprocessing of one lens 2.

The processing is done preferably in a working space 23 of theprocessing system 20, preferably wherein two upper clamping shafts 21and two lower clamping shafts 22 are arranged in the working space 23 inorder to be able to clamp and to process in particular two lenses 2 atthe same time.

The processing system 20 preferably has a tool drive 24 with at leastone preferably exchangeable tool 25 for processing a lens 2. Especiallypreferably, the processing system 20 has two tool drives 24 that workindependently of one another, with assigned tools 25 for independent andsimultaneous processing of two lenses 2. FIG. 3 shows an alreadyprocessed lens 2 in the working space 23 of the processing system 20.

Preferably, the respective tool drive 24 can be moved—in particularstarting from the frame 5—over a horizontal axis, vertical axis, and/ora preferably horizontal swivel axis—i.e., with multiple axes or withthree axes, in order to make possible the desired processing, takinginto consideration the rotational axis D of the respective lens 2.

The upper clamping shafts 21 are preferably held by a swiveling orrotatable head or mounting 26, wherein the mounting 26 can be swiveledor rotated around a swivel axis SB in order to be able to swivel theupper clamping shafts 21 out from and back into the working space 23 tochange the lens 2.

In particular, in the case of a swiveling of the mounting 26 by 180°from the working position, the upper clamping shafts 21 adopt a changingposition outside of the working space 23, as FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate.

The processing system 20 or the mounting 26 preferably has four upper ortwo pairs of upper clamping shafts 21, which can be swiveled alternatelyin the working space 23 in order to make possible a respectiveprocessing of two lenses 2 in each case, while the other pair ofclamping shafts 21 can release the processed lenses 2 and can receivenew lenses 2 that are to be processed, i.e., can carry out in parallelan unloading and a loading. In particular, the processing system 20makes possible the simultaneous handling of four lenses 2, preferablywherein two lenses 2—preferably simultaneously—are processed, and twolenses 2—preferably simultaneously—can be released and/or received.

The upper clamping shafts 21 are each rotatable around a rotational axisD and are preferably equipped with an own (not shown) rotary drive.

The upper clamping shafts 21 are preferably provided each with a holdingdevice, in particular suction devices 27, for holding the assigned lens2.

The upper and lower clamping shafts 21, 22 can be clamped against oneanother in the working space 23 in order to clamp the respective lens 2that is to be processed in between. In the illustrative example,preferably only the lower clamping shafts 22 can be shifted or movedlinearly or against the respectively assigned upper clamping shaft 21and can be moved away again therefrom. In the illustrative example, thisis preferably carried out by corresponding carriage guides 28. However,other design approaches are also possible.

The lower clamping shafts 22 are arranged in the working space 23 eachcoaxially to an assigned upper clamping shaft 21 and can be rotatedtogether with the latter for the corresponding processing of the lens 2.Preferably, the lower clamping shafts 22 can be driven to this end viacorresponding drives 29, in particular rotary drives, in particularsynchronously to the respectively assigned upper clamping shaft 21.

The loading system 30 is adapted to receive a lens 2 that is to beprocessed from the lens conveyor 70, in particular from containers 4with the lenses 2, and the feeding of the lens(es) 2 that is/are to beprocessed to the measuring system 10 and/or processing system 20.

The loading system 30 has a first gripper, in particular a suctiondevice 31, and preferably also a second gripper, in particular a suctiondevice 32. Since the grippers are preferably designed as suctiondevices, reference is always made to suction devices below. Theembodiments in this regard apply in a corresponding manner, however, ifinstead a gripper or some other holder is used for the first and/orsecond suction devices 31, 32.

The first suction device 31 is preferably arranged on or held by a firstloading arm 33 and/or a first linear drive, in particular a pneumaticcylinder 35, of the loading system 30.

The second suction device 32 is preferably arranged on or held by asecond loading arm 34 and/or a second linear drive, in particular apneumatic cylinder 36, of the loading system 30.

The loading system 30 preferably has a swiveling system 37, whichcarries in particular the first and second suction devices 31, 32 or thefirst and second loading arms 33, 34 and/or the first and second lineardrives and/or pneumatic cylinders 35, 36, in particular in a swivelingmanner

The swiveling system 37 preferably has a swivel drive 38 and a swivelarm 39 that can swivel thereon. However, other design approaches arealso possible.

In the illustrative example, the linear drives or pneumatic cylinders35, 36 are preferably connected via a holding element 40 to the swivelarm 39, wherein the linear drives and/or pneumatic cylinders 35, 36 fortheir part carry the loading arms 33, 34 with the suction devices 31,32. However, other design approaches are also possible.

The swiveling system 37 and/or the swivel drive 38 and/or swivel arm 39can preferably be moved or shifted in a linear manner in a shiftingdirection VL, in particular by means of a corresponding carriage guide41 and/or motor-driven threaded spindle 42 of the loading system 30.Preferably, the threaded spindle 42 is driven by an assigned motor 43.However, another actuating drive can also be provided for the desiredlinear movement in the shifting direction VL.

Preferably, the loading system 30 is arranged between the measuringsystem 10 and the processing system 20 or is mounted in a swiveledmanner there. This is conducive in particular to a very compact designand/or short traveling distance.

The unloading system 50 is used in the removal or depositing of aprocessed lens 2. In particular, the unloading system 50 places theprocessed lenses 2 again in corresponding containers 4—in particularso-called “trays”—after the processing. The lenses 2 that are to beprocessed had been removed in advance from the containers 4—inparticular by means of the loading system 30.

The unloading system 50 preferably has a gripper, in particular asuction device 51. Since preferably a suction device is used forgripping or holding the processed lens 2, only the suction device 51 isexplained in greater detail below. However, instead, this can also be agripper or the like, so that in this case the subsequent embodiments andexplanations apply accordingly.

The suction device 51 is preferably held in a linearly adjustable mannerby a linear drive, in particular a pneumatic cylinder 52.

The unloading system 50 preferably has a swiveling system 53, here inparticular with a swivel drive 54 and a swivel arm 55. The swivel arm 55preferably carries the suction device 51 or linear drive/pneumaticcylinder 52. However, other design approaches are also possible.

The swiveling system 53 or the swivel arm 55 or swivel drive 54 canpreferably be moved or shifted linearly in a shifting direction VE, inparticular by means of a corresponding carriage guide 56 and/or anassigned actuating drive 57. However, other design approaches are alsopossible.

Especially preferably, the unloading system 50 is arranged on a side ofthe processing system 20 that faces away from the measuring system 10and/or loading system 30, or is swivel-mounted there. This is conduciveto a compact design and/or a short traveling distance.

Especially preferably, the loading system 30 and the unloading system 50are arranged on the side that faces away from the working space 23and/or on the side of the processing system 20 that faces the lensconveyor 70.

Especially preferably, the measuring system 10, the loading system 30,the processing system 20, and the unloading system 50 are arranged atleast essentially in a row or behind one another and/or on a side nextto the lens conveyor 70.

The intermediate conveyor 60 is preferably used for a receiving oflenses 2 that are to be processed from the loading system 30 and afeeding of these lenses 2 to the processing system 20 as well as aremoval of processed lenses 2 from the processing system 20 and apreparation of these lenses 2 for the unloading system 50.

In the illustrative example, the intermediate conveyor 60 preferably hasa gripper, in particular a suction device 61, for gripping or holdingthe lens 2, in particular on a reverse side 2B of the lens 2, andpreferably a linear drive or carriage 62 for linear movement or shiftingof the gripper/suction device 61.

Especially preferably, the intermediate conveyor 60 is designed for thereceiving or removal and preparation or transfer of pairs of lenses 2.Consequently, the intermediate conveyor 60 in the illustrative examplepreferably has two suction devices 61 at assigned carriages 62, whichcan preferably be moved parallel to one another.

Preferably, the carriages 62, and thus the suction devices 61, can bemoved or shifted linearly in a shifting direction VZ into two carriageguides 63 by means of assigned (not shown) drives, as indicated in FIGS.1 and 3.

Especially preferably, the suction devices 61 can be moved or shifted bymeans of the linear drives or carriages 62 against the assigned upperclamping shafts 21 that are located in the change position, as indicatedby broken lines in FIG. 1, in order to deliver processed lenses 2 to thelatter or to transfer processed lenses 2 from the latter.

The lens conveyor 70 is adapted to convey lenses 2 that are to beprocessed, in particular from corresponding containers 4, and/or toconvey away processed lenses 2, in particular into correspondingcontainers 4.

The lens conveyor 70 is preferably designed as a floor conveyor, inparticular a belt conveyor or a band conveyor.

The lenses 2 or containers 4 can be conveyed by means of the lensconveyor 70, preferably at least essentially horizontally and/orlinearly and/or laterally along the device 1 in a main conveyingdirection H.

The loading system 30 is preferably used in a removal of the lenses 2that are to be processed from the conveyor 70 or from the correspondingcontainers 4.

Preferably, each container 4 contains one pair of lenses 2, inparticular a right and left lens 2, for eyeglasses, not shown, or aneyeglasses frame, not shown.

The lens conveyor 70 is preferably arranged on one side of the device 1and/or is extended at least essentially over the entire length or widthof the device 1.

The swivel axis SL of the loading system 30 or swiveling system 37preferably runs at least essentially vertically and/or perpendicular tothe main conveyor direction H and/or beside the lens conveyor 70.

The same preferably applies for the swivel axis SE of the unloadingsystem 50 or the swiveling system 53 thereof.

The linear axis or movement axis AL of the loading system 30 and/or thesuction devices 31, 32 preferably corresponds in each case to a centralaxis and/or the movement axis AL runs at least essentially vertically,parallel to the swivel axis SL and/or perpendicular to the shiftingdirection VL.

The linear or movement axis AE of the unloading system 50 and/or thelinear drive and/or pneumatic cylinder 52 thereof preferably correspondsto a central axis and/or runs at least essentially vertically, parallelto the swivel axis SE and/or perpendicular to the shifting direction VE.

The movement axis or shifting direction VL of the loading system 30 orfor the swiveling system 37 thereof preferably runs at least essentiallyhorizontally and/or parallel to the main conveying direction H and/orperpendicular to the swivel axis SL.

The same preferably applies for the movement axis or shifting directionVE of the unloading system 50 or the swiveling system 53 thereof, inparticular wherein the shifting direction VE runs perpendicular to theswivel axis SE.

Preferably, the movement axes or shifting directions VL and VE runparallel or in a row.

Preferably, the linear axes or movement axes AL of the two linear drivesor pneumatic cylinders 35, 36 of the loading system 30 run at leastessentially parallel to one another.

Preferably, the loading arms 33, 34 of the loading system 30 extend atleast essentially in a swivel plane relative to the swivel axis SLand/or in a plane of the swivel arm 39 and/or angled or at leastessentially crosswise to the swivel arm 39.

Preferably, the two loading arms 33, 34 of the loading system 30 areseparated from one another in the area of their free ends or suctiondevices 31, 32 held by them. In particular, the loading arms 33, 34 runat least essentially in a V shape from one another.

Preferably, the two linear drives or pneumatic cylinders 35, 36 can becontrolled or actuated independently of one another. However, as analternative, a combined movement of the two loading arms 33, 34 and/orthe two suction devices 31, 32 is also possible in particular by meansof only one linear drive or pneumatic cylinder 35 or 36 in the directionof the movement axis AL.

Preferably, the rotational axis D of the processing system 20 orclamping shafts 21, 22 and/or the swivel axis SB of the processingsystem 20 runs or run at least essentially vertically and/or parallel tothe swivel axis SL and/or SE of the loading system 30 and/or unloadingsystem 50.

Preferably, the rotational axis/axes D and the swivel axis SB runparallel to one another.

Preferably, the linear axis or shifting direction VZ of the intermediateconveyor 60 runs at least essentially vertically and/or parallel orcoaxially to the rotational axis D of the processing system 20 or upperclamping shafts 21.

Preferably, the measuring axis or central axis C of the measuring system10 runs at least essentially vertically.

Preferably, the movement axis AL of the loading system 30 runs parallelto the measuring axis or central axis C of the measuring system 10and/or to the rotational axis D of the processing system 20.

Preferably, the gripper 11 of the measuring system 10 is arranged atleast essentially at the same height as the intermediate conveyor 60and/or its suction device 61 and/or carriage 62 in the lowered positionor in the position that is shown in FIG. 1.

The device 1 preferably has a frame 5, which carries the measuringsystem 10, the processing system 20, the loading system 30, theunloading system 50, the intermediate conveyor 60, the lens conveyor 70,and/or the control system 80.

Especially preferably, the carriage guide(s) 28, 41, 56 and/or 63 is orare connected to the frame 5 or carried by the latter.

The control system 80 is used in particular for a control of themeasuring system 10, processing system 20, loading system 30, unloadingsystem 50, the intermediate conveyor 60, and/or the lens conveyor 70.

Preferably, the control system 80 can provide the necessary data for thedesired shape F of the respective lens 2, for example by a request froma corresponding database, a computer system, or a corresponding scanneror reading device for detecting the shape of an eyeglasses frame or thelike. Optionally, the measuring system 10 can also serve or be used todetect the shape of an eyeglasses frame for determination of the desiredlens shape F.

Preferably, in particular also the optical data of the lens 2 in thecase of the final establishment of the lens shape F or its position onthe lens 2 are taken into consideration in particular by the device 1,the measuring system 10 and/or the control system 80, in addition to thelens shape F that is necessary for the respective eyeglasses.

Below, various aspects of this invention, the device 1 according to theproposal and the method according to the proposal are explained in moredetail.

The lens conveyor 70 conveys the lenses 2 that are to be processed tothe device 1. In particular, the lenses 2 are conveyed in the containers4 (trays).

The loading system 30 grips the lenses 2 that are to be processedpreferably individually, in particular first by means of the firstsuction device 31, as depicted in FIG. 7. It is also possible, however,that the loading system 30 grips the lenses 2 by means of the (second)suction device 32 in the containers 4 and conveys them to the measuringsystem 10, in particular when the loading system 30 has only one singlesuction device.

The loading system 30 grips or holds the lens 2 first with the firstsuction device 31. This is carried out in particular by correspondingshifting in the shifting direction VL, swiveling around the swivel axisSL, and/or lifting or lowering in the direction of the movement axis AL.

The loading system 30 delivers the lens 2 to the measuring system 10, inparticular to the gripper 11 thereof.

The loading system 30 or the first suction device 31 or the secondsuction device 32 is moved out again from the measuring system 10 and/orthe measuring area for the light L (cf. FIG. 1) in order to makepossible a (first) measurement or gauging of the lens 2, in particularthe outside contour of the lens 2 or of the edge 3. It is also possible,however, that a (first) measurement or gauging of the lens 2 is carriedout, without the loading system 30 or the (first) suction device 31being moved out again from the measuring system 10 or the measuring areafor the light L, and/or that the loading system 30, in particular thefirst suction device 31, holds (still) the lens 2 during measurement orgauging of the lens 2, in particular as described below for thesubsequent centering step.

The gripper 11 is designed in such a way that it holds the lens 2 in theposition and orientation delivered by the loading system 30. This isachieved in particular by a spring-loaded abutting or some otherabutting of the retaining finger 12 on the edge 3 of the lens 2.However, other design approaches are also possible.

In the (first) measurement or gauging, preferably the edge 3 or theoutside contour of the lens 2 is detected and/or the geometric center Gof the lens 2 is determined.

Preferably, the lens 2 is then centered, in particular in thepreviously-determined geometric center G, preferably in such a way thatthe geometric center G is at least essentially in the central axis C orthe central axis C runs through the geometric center G.

Preferably, in a subsequent centering step, the lens 2, for centering,is released or disengaged from the gripper 11 and moved by means of theloading system 30, in particular of the first suction device 31, in sucha way that the lens 2 is oriented or centered relative to the measuringsystem 10.

In the case of the orientation, in addition or as an alternative to thecentering, optionally also a tilting of the lens 2 in a horizontalposition or a desired tilted position can be carried out, in particularso that the tangential plane at the point at which the loading system 30engages or at the determined geometric center G runs at leastessentially horizontally and/or perpendicular to a measuring axis orcentering axis C. This can be carried out by, for example, optionalchanging of the grip and/or by corresponding design of the suctiondevice 31 or use of the suction device 32.

Especially preferably, the lens 2, at the geometric center G that isdetermined by means of the measuring system 10, is thus delivered bymeans of the loading system 30 to the measuring system 10, and/orgripped in a centered manner by the gripper 11.

Preferably or optionally, the optical reference point O is thendetermined, preferably iteratively, in particular first approximately ina first step and then precisely or more precisely in a second step.

Especially preferably, the loading system 30, in particular the firstsuction device 31 and/or the second suction device 32, is or are movedout again from the measuring system 10 or the measuring area todetermine the optical reference point O.

The measurement or determination of the optical reference point O can becarried out in the case of a spherical surface, for example, by a vertexpower measurement or optical projection, such as points on a definedcircle. In the case of other surfaces, in particular so-called free-formsurfaces, multifocal lenses, or the like, this can be more difficult,wherein, for example, the markings M can be detected and used fordetermining the optical reference point O, if present. Depending onrequirements, for example, the control system 80 can make availablenecessary information and data to the measuring system 10, and/or thecontrol system 80 can take these data into consideration in theevaluation and determination of the optical reference point O.

After the preferred first or approximate determination of the opticalreference point O, the lens 2 is preferably gripped once more, namelyat—in particular determined in an approximate manner—the opticalreference point O, in particular by the loading system 30, especiallypreferably by means of the second suction device 32.

Especially preferably, the lens 2 is held at the optical reference pointO that is determined by means of the measuring system 10 and thenoriented in a desired horizontal position or tilted position in order tomake possible an optional second determination or more precisedetermination of the optical reference point O. The second measurementin the horizontal position or desired tilted position makes possible theminimization of measurement errors, in particular the minimization of apossible parallactic deviation, so that the second measurement makespossible a more precise determination of the optical reference point Othan the first measurement.

After the lens 2 is gripped by the (second) gripper or suction device32, the gripper 11 of the measuring system 10 is opened, and the lens 2is oriented in a desired horizontal position or tiltedposition—preferably by means of the second suction device 32—inparticular so that the tangential plane TO at the optical referencepoint O runs at least essentially horizontally and/or perpendicular tothe central axis C.

The loading system 30 or its (second) suction device 32 is preferablydesigned in such a way that the lens 2 can be oriented in the desiredhorizontal position or tilted position, in particular so that the lens 2that is gripped at the (approximately or in the first step) determinedoptical reference point O can be oriented or tilted with its tangentialplane TO at this point, in particular horizontally and/or perpendicularto the central axis C. This orientation is later carried out once moreafter the lens 2 is gripped at the blocking point B, so that referencecan be made to the subsequent explanations in this regard—in particularin connection with FIGS. 8 and 9—that apply in particular correspondingto the orientation of the lens 2 at the determined optical referencepoint O.

After the desired orientation of the tilted position and/or inparticular the renewed centering of the lens 2, the latter is picked upagain by the gripper 11 and held in the desired (new) orientation and/orposition.

The loading system 30 or the first suction device 31 or the secondsuction device 32 is then moved away again from the measuring system 10or moved out from the measuring area.

The optional (second) measurement or gauging of the lens 2 is thencarried out for a more precise determination of the optical referencepoint O. In this connection, it is to be taken into consideration thatthe lens 2 was oriented in advance at the measured optical referencepoint O in its tilted position, in particular so that the tangentialplane TO at the measured optical reference point O runs horizontallyand/or perpendicular to the central axis C. Consequently, an especiallyprecise or error-free (second) determination of the optical referencepoint O is made possible. The determination of the optical referencepoint O preferably also accompanies the determination of the rotatingposition of the lens 2, i.e., the rotational orientation, even if thelatter is not further explained. The information on the position of theoptical reference point O therefore also contains in particularinformation on the rotating position of the lens 2 and is taken intoconsideration in a corresponding manner, in particular in thedetermination of the position of the lens shape F and in thedetermination of the blocking point B, even if this is not explained inmore detail.

The reference point O that is determined in the first measurement andthe reference point O that is determined in the second measurement canbe different, i.e., can be spaced apart, but can also optionally beidentical. Normally, the first determined optical reference point O(potentially) is somewhat further away from the actual optical referencepoint 0 of the lens 2 than the afterwards determined (more precise)optical reference point O. These potentially different points are notshown separately in FIG. 4 and are also not referred to in a differentway.

Preferably, after the (more precise or repeated) determination of theoptical reference point O, the blocking point B is determined, inparticular calculated, wherein the especially precisely determinedoptical reference point O as well as the other parameters, such as thedesired lens shape F and its position relative to the optical referencepoint O, are taken into consideration.

The determination of the blocking point B, which is preferably carriedout simultaneously or after the establishment of the position of thedesired lens shape F on the lens 2, can preferably be performed orsupported by the measuring system 10 and/or control system 80.

Preferably, the lens 2 is gripped and oriented, after the blocking pointB is determined, in the blocking point B by means of the loading system30, in particular the second suction device 32. In particular, the lens2 is oriented at the blocking point B in such a way that the tangentialplane TB at the blocking point B runs horizontally and/or perpendicularto the central axis C.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, it is diagrammatically shown how in particular thetangential plane TB at the blocking point B here is preferably orientedhorizontally, in particular by means of the second suction device 32. Itis also possible, however, that the lens 2 is gripped and oriented bymeans of the first suction device 31 at the blocking point B.

Especially preferably, the lens 2 is held in succession, first at theoptical reference point O determined by means of the measuring system 10and then at the calculated blocking point B, by the loading system 30,especially preferably by the same (second) suction device 32.

The loading system 30 preferably picks up the lens 2 with the secondsuction device 32 at the optical reference point O and at the blockingpoint B, in order to orient the lens 2 in each case in the desiredhorizontal position or tilted position. It is also possible, however,that the first suction device 31 orients the lens 2 at the opticalreference point O and/or at the blocking point B. Below, the orientationof the lens 2 at the blocking point B by means of the second suctiondevice 32 is to be explained based on FIGS. 8 and 9. The orientation ofthe lens 2 is preferably carried out at the optical reference point O bymeans of the second suction device 32 at least essentially in the sameway or a similar way.

The second suction device 32 is preferably designed as a pendulumsuction device. It preferably has an in particular dome-shaped suctionelement 44, which can also lie in a desired way inclined on the surfaceof the lens 2, as diagrammatically indicated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

When the blocking point B is eccentric and/or deviates from the opticalreference point O, the tangential plane TB can then consequently beinclined, in particular relative to the movement axis AL of the loadingsystem 30 and/or the second suction device 32 and/or to the measuringaxis or central axis C, as indicated by way of example in FIG. 8. Thesuction element 44 can be placed correspondingly inclined on the lens 2,as FIG. 8 indicates.

After the lens 2 is gripped or held at the blocking point B, the gripper11 is opened, and the loading system 30 can convey the lens 2 to theprocessing system 20 or to the optional intermediate conveyor 60.

Preferably, after the gripping or holding on the blocking point B, thelens 2 is oriented in a desired tilted position or horizontal position,especially preferably in such a way that the tangential plane TB at theheld or determined blocking point B runs at least essentiallyhorizontally and/or perpendicular to the movement axis AL and/or centralaxis C and/or subsequent rotational axis D in the case of theprocessing.

In the illustrative example, the orientation is preferably carried outin such a way that the suction element 44 is oriented by means of anorienting element 45, such as, for example, an orienting sleeve, in theabove-mentioned desired way. In particular, the orienting element 45 isdisplaced relative to the suction element 44 in such a way that thesuction element 44 is tilted or swiveled in the desired orientation or(back) into a normal position, as indicated in FIG. 9.

The above-mentioned orientation of the suction element 44 is easilypossible in particular because of the preferably circumferential collarof the suction element 44, which comes to rest on the front surface ofthe orienting element 45 in order to produce the desired orientation.However, other designs are also possible.

After the determination of the blocking point B and orientation of thelens 2 at the blocking point B, the lens 2 is fed to the processingsystem 20 or the upstream intermediate conveyor 60. This is preferablycarried out by means of the loading system 30 or the second suctiondevice 32.

The lens 2 that is oriented in its tilted position in theabove-mentioned manner is then delivered in particular to theintermediate conveyor 60 or to a suction device 61 of the intermediateconveyor 60.

It is to be noted that in particular, design approaches are alsopossible in which the loading system 30 has only one suction device,preferably wherein the suction device performs the described methodsteps and/or has the described aspects, properties, features and/oradvantages of the first suction device 31 and/or the second suctiondevice 32 or combines those.

The intermediate conveyor 60 is preferably designed in such a way thatthe tilted position is maintained exactly, and that the lens 2 can thenbe ultimately delivered at this tilted position to the processing system20, or more precisely to the assigned upper clamping shaft 21 in thechange position.

In the illustrative example, the suction device 61 of the intermediateconveyor 60 is preferably designed as a so-called pendulum suctiondevice, i.e., provided in particular with a suction element, whichpreferably can be tilted corresponding to the suction element 44, butits tilted position is maintained after the suctioning.

After the first of a pair of lenses 2 has been delivered to theintermediate conveyor 60, the loading system 30 proceeds accordinglywith the second corresponding lens 2, takes the latter from thecontainer 4 and feeds it first to the measuring system 10 forcorresponding measurement and determination first of the opticalreference point O and then of the blocking point B. This is done inparticular as already described.

Then, this second lens 2 in turn is fed to the intermediate conveyor 60,delivered in particular to the suction device 61 at or in the desiredtilted position or orientation.

Especially preferably, the lens 2 is thus delivered after themeasurement to the intermediate conveyor 60, which loads and unloads theprocessing system 20 with the lens 2, respectively, two lenses 2, and/orworks independently of the upstream loading system 30 and the downstreamunloading system 50. This is conducive to an optimized course of theoperation and/or a minimization of grip-changing.

It is noted that the measuring system 10 preferably also determines ineach case the orientation or rotating position of the respective lens 2.This rotating position is preferably delivered in a defined way to theprocessing system 20 or to the intermediate conveyor 60. Consequently,the respective rotating position of the lens 2 can be—and in particularis—taken into consideration in the processing. For example, the upperclamping shafts 21 can be correspondingly rotated or rotationallyoriented before the respective lens 2 is gripped. In principle, thesuction devices 31, 32, 51 and 61 preferably cannot rotate, inparticular in order to maintain the rotating position of the lens 2—evenwhen the lens 2 tilts.

A special advantage of the device 1 according to the proposal and themethod according to the proposal lies in the fact that no orientationhas to be carried out in a determined rotating position, i.e., the lens2, for example in the measuring system 10, does not have to be rotated,but rather the lenses 2 can have any rotating position and thisarbitrary rotating position is determined and is taken intoconsideration in the further processing—for example by rotating thesuction device 27.

It is also noted that design approaches are also possible in which twolenses 2 can be handled at least essentially simultaneously by means ofthe loading system 30, i.e., the loading system 30 takes two lenses 2from the container 4 at the same time, feeds the lenses 2 simultaneouslyto one or more, in particular two, measuring systems 10 for measuringand determining the respective optical reference point O and therespective blocking point B, and then simultaneously delivers them tothe intermediate conveyor 60, preferably each at or in the desiredtilted position or orientation.

After the loading of the intermediate conveyor 60 or the two suctiondevices 61 with the lenses 2 that are to be processed, the delivery tothe processing system 20 or the assigned upper clamping shafts 21 iscarried out. To this end, carriages 62 are run in the shifting directionVZ or from the position shown in FIG. 1, upward against the clampingshafts 21. The clamping shafts 21 grip or hold the lenses 2 then bymeans of corresponding suction devices 27, wherein the previousorientation or tilted position and/or rotating position of the lens 2 ismaintained. After this loading, the intermediate conveyor 60 and/or thecarriages 62 are again run downward or moved away from the deliveredlenses 2.

Then, after finishing the lenses 2 that are normally already located inthe working space 23, a change of the processed lenses 2 from theworking space 23 into the change position and vice versa of the lenses 2that are to be processed from the change position into the working space23 can be carried out. This is carried out especially preferably bycorresponding rotating or swiveling of the head part or mounting 26 ofthe processing system 20.

After changing the lenses 2, the processing of the new lenses 2 can becarried out in the working space 23. The lower clamping shafts 22 arepreferably run via corresponding carriage guides 28 and assigned (notshown) drives against the upper clamping shafts 21 or the lenses 2 thatare held thereon, so that the latter are correspondingly clamped inbetween, as indicated in FIG. 3 for one of the upper clamping shafts 21and one of the lower clamping shafts 22.

Then, the processing, in particular edge processing, is carried out, ina desired way, wherein the tool drive 24 can be moved with the assignedtool 25 preferably in several axes in order to make it possible to carryout the desired processing.

In addition, a tool change is preferably carried out if necessary,wherein the tool change is carried out in particular in an automatedway.

While the processing in the working space 23 is carried out, the alreadyprocessed lenses 2, which are now located in the change position, i.e.,on the side of the lens conveyor 70, are unloaded and/or are put backonto the lens conveyor 70.

For unloading, the processed lenses 2 are preferably again transferredfrom the intermediate conveyor 60 by having the carriages 62 be runupward and the processed lenses 2 be gripped with the suction devices61. The lenses 2 are then moved away from the upper clamping shafts 21and in particular moved downward. There, the lenses 2 are thenpreferably gripped individually by the unloading system 50, inparticular by means of the suction device 51, and put back into acorresponding empty space in a container 4, preferably into the samespace and in the same container 4 from which the lens 2 was earlierremoved. However, other approaches are also possible, in particular inwhich the lenses 2 are gripped simultaneously by the unloading system50.

Especially preferably, the respective container 4 is providedspecifically with an information medium, such as an RFID chip, bar code,a plug-in card, or the like, in order to identify the lenses 2 and/orthe respective instructions or to make them identifiable, or optionallyalso to provide corresponding processing data.

After the unloading system 50 has removed the processed lenses 2 fromthe intermediate conveyor 60, the loading system 30 can again convey ordeliver the next lenses 2 that are to be processed to the intermediateconveyor 60 after the corresponding measuring and gripping at theblocking point B—as already described.

Preferably, for suctioning and holding the lenses 2, the suction devicesor the corresponding suction elements are placed under negative pressurein each case by means of corresponding systems (not shown) and areaerated again to release the lens 2 if necessary or optionally may evenbe supplied with a slight overpressure.

The control system 80 preferably controls the entire course of theoperation and/or the method according to the proposal.

If necessary, the device 1 and/or the control system 80 can accessadditional external data, such as necessary processing data, datarelating to the frame or the desired lens shape F or other datainformation.

Individual aspects and features of the above-mentioned course of theoperation and/or of the device 1 according to the proposal and/or of themethod according to the proposal can also be implemented independentlyof one another and in any combination, even if described together as awhole based on the described, especially preferred embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. Device for processing an optical lens,comprising: a measuring system for the lens; a processing system forprocessing the lens; and a loading system for feeding the lens to themeasuring system, an unloading system working independently of theloading system for removal or delivery of a processed lens, and anintermediate conveyor for feeding lenses to be processed to theprocessing system, the intermediate conveyor working independently ofthe loading system and the unloading system.
 2. Device according toclaim 1, wherein the processing system has a working space forprocessing the lens which is separate from the measuring system. 3.Device according claim 2, wherein the processing system is operative forreceiving lenses from the intermediate conveyor outside of the workingspace independently of the lens processing.
 4. Device according to claim2, wherein working space comprises two tool drives that workindependently of one another, with assigned tools for independent andsimultaneous processing of two lenses.
 5. Device according to claim 3,wherein the intermediate conveyor—independently of the conveying oflenses into or out of the working space—is at least one of (1) loadablewith one or two lenses from the loading system or (2) unloadable withone or two lenses to the unloading system.
 6. Device according to claim1, wherein the processing system has clamping shafts which can be movedor swiveled alternately in the working space to be able to move orswivel the clamping shafts out from and back into the working space tochange lenses.
 7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the intermediateconveyor is configured to transfer lenses that are to be processed tothe clamping shafts.
 8. Device according to claim 1, wherein theintermediate conveyor has a gripper for gripping or holding the lens. 9.Device according to claim 1, wherein the processing system is a systemfor edge processing the lens.
 10. Device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a lens conveyor for the lenses or containers for theconveying and removal of lenses, wherein the processing system, theloading system, the measurement system and the unloading system arearranged on the same side of the lens conveyor.
 11. Device according toclaim 1, wherein the measurement system and the processing system arearranged adjacent to one another.
 12. Device according to claim 1,wherein the intermediate conveyor is configured for receiving lenses tobe processed from the loading system.
 13. Device according to claim 8,wherein the device comprises two intermediate conveyors or theintermediate conveyors comprise two grippers for gripping or holdinglenses.
 14. Device according to claim 1, wherein the loading system hasa first gripper or suction device and a second gripper or suctiondevice.
 15. Device according to claim 14, wherein the loading system hasa swiveling system with the first gripper or suction device and thesecond gripper or suction device.
 16. Device according to claim 1,wherein the loading system is arranged between the measuring system andthe processing system.
 17. Device according to claim 1, wherein theunloading system is arranged on a side of the processing system thatfaces away from at least one of the measuring system or the loadingsystem.
 18. Device for processing an optical lens, comprising: ameasuring system for the lens; a processing system for processing thelens; a loading system for feeding the lens to the measuring system; andan intermediate conveyor for feeding lenses that are to be processed tothe processing system, the intermediate conveyor being provided inaddition to the loading system and working independently of the loadingsystem, wherein the device has a lens conveyor for the lenses orcontainers for the conveying and removal of lenses, and wherein theprocessing system, the loading system and the measurement system arearranged on the same side of the lens conveyor.
 19. Device according toclaim 18, wherein the device further comprises an unloading systemworking independently of the loading system for removal or delivery of aprocessed lens.
 20. Device according to claim 19, wherein the unloadingsystem is arranged on the same side of the lens conveyor as theprocessing system, the loading system and the measurement system. 21.Device according to claim 20, wherein the intermediate conveyor isconfigured for at least one of receiving lenses that are to be processedfrom the loading system or feeding lenses that are to be processed tothe processing system.
 22. Device according to claim 20, wherein theprocessing system has clamping shafts which are movable or swivelablealternately in a working space to move or swivel the clamping shafts outfrom and back into the working space to change the lens.
 23. Deviceaccording to claim 22, wherein the intermediate conveyor is configuredto transfer lenses to be processed to the clamping shafts.